If you’re one of the over 49 million people predicted to hit the roads over the Thanksgiving holiday, get ready — there are going to be some challenges. Thanksgiving traffic is no joke. It’s crowded, it’s hectic, and it can feel like everyone’s rushing to the same place you are.

But a little planning can save you a lot of frustration and help you avoid the most common Thanksgiving travel mishaps. Here are some practical tips to keep you safe, sane, and ready to celebrate the holiday without any driving drama.

Get Ready for Lots (And Lots!) of Traffic

Whether you’re picking up groceries, heading to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving, or hitting the Black Friday sales, you can expect plenty of traffic. With so many people on the roads, it’s best to avoid peak times if you can.

According to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, the busiest day for traffic is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. To avoid the worst of it, try hitting the road before 11 a.m. on Wednesday or wait until later in the evening.

On Thanksgiving Day, the best travel times are before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., and on Black Friday, plan to head out before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Heading home on the weekend? Try to hit the roads before noon each day to avoid the biggest crowds. And while these guidelines are helpful, things can change. Keep an eye on traffic apps for the latest updates.

Watch Out for Drunk Drivers – And Don’t Be One of Them

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but unfortunately, this can lead to more drunk drivers on the roads. In particular, the night before Thanksgiving has been recently dubbed “Blackout Wednesday” for being one of the biggest party nights of the year. 

In 2022, there were 100 fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve alone, with 35% involving drunk drivers. In addition, there are 4% more deadly crashes on Thanksgiving Day than on regular days. And one-third of them are caused by intoxicated drivers.

So, here’s the deal. If you’re going out and planning to drink, make sure you have a safe and sober ride home. That might mean having a designated driver, booking a rideshare, or crashing at a friend’s place. Even if you feel “fine,” alcohol messes with your reaction times and judgment — and it’s just not worth the risk.

Put Away the Phone and Avoid Distracted Driving

From coordinating plans with family and friends to thinking about grandma’s pie recipe, there are plenty of distractions around Thanksgiving time. In fact, Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) found that during the two weeks before and after Thanksgiving, on an average day, people spend an average of 2 minutes and 2 seconds on their phones while driving. And as scary as this is, it increases by 9.2% on Thanksgiving Day.

Even worse, time spent on the phone while driving has steadily risen every year since 2020. And the consequences are real. Based on CMT’s data, the increase in distracted driving on Thanksgiving over the past three years has translated to about 1,800 additional accidents and 5 fatalities.

Don’t become another statistic. Set your GPS and playlist before you hit the road, then put away your phone, so you can arrive alive.

Prep Your Vehicle for Holiday Trips

Whether driving across town or tackling a long road trip, a little vehicle maintenance can go a long way in avoiding headaches (and breakdowns) on busy Thanksgiving roads.

For shorter drives, make sure you check the basics:

• Tire pressure: Cold weather can lower tire pressure, which affects handling and fuel efficiency. If your tire pressure is too low, you also risk a blowout.

• Fluid levels: Top off essentials like oil and coolant to protect your engine. Also, be sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid to keep your visibility clear if you hit rain, mud, or snow.  

• Lights and wipers: Check that your headlights, brake lights, and wipers are working properly so you’re visible and prepared for any sudden weather changes.

If you’re going the distance, add a few extra steps:

• Get a full inspection: Consider a quick check-up at your local mechanic for brakes, battery, and other vital parts.

• Pack an emergency kit: Blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger can be lifesavers if you get stuck or delayed.

• Keep a spare tire, tools, and jumper cables: Flat tires and dead batteries are never fun, especially in holiday traffic. Double-check that you have everything you need, just in case.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and making memories — so let’s ensure you get there safely. With a little planning and preparation, you can dodge the common holiday travel hassles and keep your focus on what really matters. Every small step makes a big difference on the road, from checking your car to watching out for distracted or drunk drivers.

If you want to feel even more confident behind the wheel, consider brushing up on safe driving skills with online traffic school. Drive safe, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoy every moment with the people you care about.

Updated 11/26/2024